Thursday, February 27, 2014

Overview: How can you trust God when your world has been suddenly turned upside
down? When You Don’t See His Plan by Nadine Hennesey with Rebecca Baker
tells the remarkable story of Nadine’s struggle to overcome fear, renew
her trust in God, and move forward in life after the unexpected death of
her husband. Discover how you can move beyond devastating circumstances
in your own life and follow God, even when you don’t see His plan. (Amazon)

Dawn's Recommendation: 4 of 5 Stars

What I liked: Her story. Even though tragedy struck and Ms. Hennessey was widowed early in her marriage, she asked God to use her anyway and He has and He is. I enjoyed reading about her missionary experiences in the orphanage and school -- It encourages me to step out to do God's will for me.

What I didn't like: How the book skipped around. It would tell a little blurb from her past and then go right into the present. Not always good flow or transition from one thought to another.

Overall, I enjoyed Nadine Hennessy's story, but the book could use a little polish with transitioning.

Saturday, February 15, 2014

This evening, as I was relaxing, it hit me that A to Z Challenge is coming up in April! Then I thought, "Oh no, I bet sign up has already started and I won't have a low number!"

So, I quick hopped over to their blog and signed up (number 724). Whew! That was close. Number could have been worse. Imagine how I'd feel if I missed the whole event?! This being my fourth year!

I'm switching it up this year from "writing" to "books", since I've been reading (and reviewing) way more than I've been writing.

I'm not sure what about "books", I'll be writing/doing for A to Z. Hmmm...I better brainstorm.

Dawn's brainstorm ideas:*What I like in a book*What catches and holds my attention in a book*What books do for you and to you*Goofy photos of books*What books want to tell us*The parts of a book*Book reading ettiquette (if there is such a thing)*Books are better than people*A look at books*Books that Bling!*Bookmarks*What books do behind your back

OK, I'm getting a feel for it. The green ones are my favs.

It needs to be a little silly, a little fun, and a little educational. This could be crazy, but I might go to the library and find 26 books that I might want to read and... (wait for it....)

feature each book to include a silly photo.

Ahh....I did it! I know what I'm going to do! AND, I'll have a new reading wish list (as if I need that!).

Disclaimer: you can be sure the silly photos will be silly and a bit artsy-fartsy. Ohhh, I can't wait to get started!

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Another book review on a journey to heaven. This one is by Kevin and Alex Malarkey.

Overview:
"In 2004, Kevin Malarkey and his six-year-old son, Alex, suffered an
horrific car accident. The impact from the crash paralyzed Alex—and
medically speaking, it was unlikely that he could survive. 'I think Alex
has gone to be with Jesus,' a friend told the stricken dad. But two
months later, Alex awoke from a coma with an incredible story to share.
Of events at the accident scene and in the hospital while he was
unconscious. Of the angels that took him through the gates of heaven
itself. Of the unearthly music that sounded just terrible to a six-year-old. And, most amazing of all . . . Of meeting and talking to Jesus. The Boy Who Came Back from Heaven
is the true story of an ordinary boy's most extraordinary journey. As
you see heaven and earth through Alex's eyes, you'll come away with new
insights on miracles, life beyond this world, and the power of a
father's love." (Amazon)

Dawn's Recommendation: 4 of 5 StarsWhat I liked: The inspirational story. The description of angels, devil, and demons. The solid and growing faith of the Malarkey family and their willingness to praise God and share Him throughout the book. The short, labeled sections, which make this a great book for reading when you only have spare minutes here and there. What I didn't like: I had bought a used copy and someone tore out three pages in the center, which look to have had photos on them. Rats!

I enjoyed the constant mention of God and faith, but if my faith were not that strong, the book may come across as preachy and be a turn off for some.

Disclaimer

The writing on this blog is the sole property of Dawn M. Hamsher. No part shall be used without the author's permission. All persons and events depicted in the writing are fictitious and any resemblance to real persons or events is coincidental.